Henry Jackson Foundation Medical Research International (HJFMRI)locally known as Walter
Reed Program Tanzania (WRP-T) is an international non-governmental organization working in
several countries providing care and treatment to people affected by HIV/AIDS and conducting
research studies and has been actively involved in HIV and AIDS programming for over 30 years.
WRP-T implements PEPFAR funded HIV prevention, care and treatment activities in the Southern
Highlands, providing resources, personnel and services to the Zone. The program has expanded
from supporting the Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital in becoming a hub for anti-retroviral
treatment in the Southern Highlands zone; to community support through decentralized
services, with the overall objective of implementing research, clinical HIV, prevention, care and
treatment services in Mbeya, Rukwa, Katavi, Ruvuma and Songwe regions in the zone.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and
Children (MoHCDGEC) and community NGOs, WRP-T has been leading a comprehensive HIV and
AIDS care and support program in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania since 2004. The program,
which is sub-contracting with Regional Health Management Teams (RHMTs) and 14 community
outreach partners, extends to 25 district councils in the five regions. Collectively, the zone,
which has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in Tanzania, represents a catchment area with
close to 6 million people (13% of the population of Tanzania mainland). Despite remarkable
achievements made over the past ten years, the expansion of HIV care and treatment
interventions remains critical both at the facility as well as the community level.
Walter Reed Program- Tanzania is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position below. Cover
letters and resumes should be sent by mail through post/EMS/DHL/ or any Courier
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: HIV Testing Services (HTS) Advisor
Reports to: Medical Director
Location: Mbeya HQ
General Overview:
The HIV Testing Services Advisor will serve as the primary technical expert and contact person
for WRP-T HIV testing services in the organization, health facilities and community level. S/he
will facilitate the development, modification, and or adaptation of appropriate HTS strategies,
with the goal of improving clinical and community access to and use of services. The HTS Advisor
is expected to collaborate across different technical areas to strengthen the continuum of
response from HIV Testing to Care.
The incumbent will be responsible for liaising with the Ministry of Health Community
Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (MOHCDGEC), local and national organizations,
including faith based organizations to facilitate the expansion of HIV Testing Services at the
health facility level and in the community settings. The HTS Advisor will build the capacity of
local partner organizations, health facilities and WRP-T staff to deliver high-quality HIV Testing
Services in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania.
The HIV Testing Services Advisor will work closely with medical and outreach partners to design
strategies and coordinate all HIV Testing Services in the five regions of the Southern Highlands
(Mbeya, Songwe, Rukwa, Ruvuma, and Katavi). WRP-T envisions that 50% of the time will be
allocated for outreach technical support and oversight and 50% for medical interventions and
facility level technical support.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Provide technical leadership in the development of approaches and strategies for
mobilizing partner organizations, facilities and communities for the establishment or
strengthening of strategies and activities for HIV Testing and Services;
Work in close cooperation with Walter Reed Program departments and partners to
achieve the overall HTS goal of early identification of HIV+ (HIV positive) clients and link
them successfully to prevention, care, and treatment services;
Liaise and consult regularly with the relevant authorities, partner organizations, facilities,
community leaders and beneficiaries about the planning, design, and implementation of
WRP-T and partner HIV Testing Services activities;
Develop integrated, innovative and gender sensitive interventions for the provision of
comprehensive HIV Testing Services of at-high risk and key populations, adolescent girls
and young women, youth in and out of school, and the general population;
Build the capacity of the partner organizations and government technical staff to deliver
high-quality HIV Testing services;
Provide on-going support through coaching, supervision visits and mentoring to partner
organizations, facilities and WRP-T staff in implementing HIV Testing Services activities;
Document, consolidate and disseminate knowledge and information regarding best
practices, lessons learned, and proven approaches both within and outside of WRP-T;
Ensure quality implementation, achievement of results for activities within WRP-T and
within partner projects, and collaborate with other WRP-T program departments to
ensure effective teamwork;
Collaborate with partners to develop quality assurance and Improvement mechanisms
and ensure QA and QI are essential components of all HIV Testing Services conform to
set requirement and standards;
Facilitate and provide overall leadership and sound advice at facility and community
settings, and improve post-test referrals for all clients to prevention, care, and treatment
services;
Develop annual work plans, budgets and reports for HTS activities; and ensure
integration of project activities into wider WRP-T annual plans and the Outreach and
Medical Department work plans;
Develop work plans and oversee HTS activities for regional outreach coordinators
Extend technical support to local partners including health facilities in preparing and
submitting timely monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports;
Develop strategies to ensure successful linkages of HIV positive Identified clients to care
and treatment services
Travel within the Southern Highlands for program management, continued service
development, implementation, and evaluation of service delivery.
Liaise with the M&E Department to ensure that the components for HIV Testing Services
are functional (e.g., clarity of indicators, quality of M&E data collection tools, data quality
and reporting).
Support the Senior Management Team especially in identifying areas requiring policy
influence and support implementation and the development of long term plans
Participate as a member of the HIV USG Tanzania Team providing technical expertise in
the field of HTS activities ensuring the program is in line with the USG HIV and AIDS incountry
strategy;
Develop and maintain good working relationships with other partners, governmental and
non-governmental, within the five regions;
Provide monthly reports to the Outreach Director and Medical Director;
Provide technical assistance to other WRP-T programs including Community Based
Health Services(CBHS); Prevention; Gender Based Violence; Laboratory and other
projects as needed;
Perform any other assignment or duties that may be required to support the program
Requirements:
Medical Doctor (MD) or Degree in Nursing with Postgraduate training in Public Health
and or Counseling, psychology, social work or other HIV and AIDS related discipline.
Knowledge and skills in organizing health campaigns including HTC is desirable
At least ten years of progressive responsibilities in HIV program management and
technical experience in clinic and community-based settings, preferably in an outreach
context;
At least five years of experience with HIV Testing programs;
Demonstrate experience in developing health education materials a plus;
Knowledge of the current developments and best practices in the field of HIV and AIDS
prevention, globally and in Tanzania
Proven skills in analysis, communication, networking, advocacy, and negotiation.
Fluency in English and Kiswahili required.
Ability to use standard software applications (Word, Power Point, Excel, etc.)
Good communication skills; ability to troubleshoot; ability to work independently and
supervise others.
Must be diplomatic and culturally sensitive, with excellent communications skills.
50% travel required
Job Title: Data Assistant- 25 Positions
Reports To: Regional SI Coordinator/District SI Associate/CTC In-Charge
Employment Status: Full time
Duty station: At district level
Job Summary:
Data Assistantsare required to maintain and ensure the effective use of electronic database
systems (CTC2, pharmacy module, HTC, DHIS2, HITsystemsetc.), assuring data quality, proper
use and maintenance of CTC – IT equipment, daily entering patient data files, preparation and
sharing reports to partners and HJFMRI.
Essential duties and responsibilities:
• Periodically Transfer and update HIV/AIDS Patients records entered within CTC2 Forms
for Patients on Care and Treatment into Pre ART and ART Registers;
• Conduct Data Entry and Data Update on CTC2 Database based on updated information
within CTC2 Forms;
• Work in collaboration with clinicians to ensure CTC2 cards are filled out correctly
• To ensure each patient’s file contains a TB screening tool and that the tool is filled in by
the clinician during each visit;
• Ensure all patient’s information such as Laboratory results are well documented and
entered in the systems.
• Perform Data Check and Data verification on the patients visits and ARV status within
CTC2 Database built-in checks for data cleaning;
• To check patient files using WRP checklist and ensure the CTC2 card and TB screening
form are completed before the patient departs the facility;
• To ensure timely entry of patient files, within one day after receiving the file from the
clinician to prevent data backlog exceeding a week
• To ensure that the CTC2 database is updated and always of the most recent version;
• Ensure that a weekly back up is made on external Hard Discs and stored in a safe place
with password;
• To use the CTC2 database to produce high quality, monthly and quarterly NACP reports
and submit the same to the Regional SI Coordinator, Data manager, District Aids Control
Coordinator (DACC) and District Reproductive and Child Health Coordinator (DRCHCo);
• To use the CTC2 database to produce monthly reports on patients who are lost to follow
up and share the list with Facility CBHS and Community CBHS who will use these data to
trace the patients;
• To enter data into computers as they are generated from the clinic and make the data
available and accessible to programmers and end users;
• To implement and recommend operating methods to improve processing, distribution,
data flow, collection and database editing procedures.
• To generate reports and summaries as needed
• To assisthealth facility staff in establishing and maintaining an effective and efficient
records management system.
• Responsible for new databases that are introduced for the project like Train-smart, Male
circumcision database, DHIS2, HTC, pharmacy module, HUWANYU etc.
• To implement and recommend operating methods to improve processing, distribution,
data flow, collection and database editing procedures.
• To assist in establishing and maintaining an effective and efficient records management
system.
• Conduct data backlog clearing to CTC2 and DHIS2
• Ensure availability and tracking of program targets at site level.
• Ensure Proper file arrangement and data security
• Perform any other duties assigned by your supervisor
• Collect monthly reports and report to HJFMRI on a monthly basis
Qualifications
Diploma in Record Management, Computer knowledge or Certificate in related field
desired;
Computer literacy with package of the Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Access, Power
Point, Internet and Email
At least two years of experience in data management or any related information
Management System.
Competency
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:-
Knowledgeable in Monitoring and Evaluation, HMIS and quality assurance methods and
approaches (including quantitative, qualitative and participatory);
Possess demonstrated skills in quantitative data analysis and data management
Proficiency in statistical databases (e.g. SPSS, EPI-Info) as well as strong skills in Excel,
Word, Access and Power Point
• Knowledge of records management procedures or principles.
• Ability to operate various work-processing software, spreadsheets, and database
programs.
• Maintain confidentiality of data and adhere to code of ethics.
• Interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and
cultural backgrounds.
• Communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Carry out multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
Position title: Laboratory Program Officer – 2 Positions
Reports to: Laboratory Program Manager
Location: Mbeya
General Overview
The Laboratory program officer – Medical Laboratory Scientist/Technologist’s key responsibility
will becarrying out day-to-day testing services and assisting with the implementation of the
quality management system at the Mbeya Referral Hospital (MRH) general and specialized
laboratories. The incumbent will also be responsible for providing technical support to other
laboratories in supported facilities in the areas of clinical laboratory testing, implementationof
quality management systems and on-site staff training and mentorship.
This position requires good laboratory basic knowledge and skills in applied Molecular Biology
and Virology, Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Flow-cytology, Serology, Microbiology and
Mycobacteriology in addition to competency in medical laboratory science practice. Eligible
candidates will be trained in specialized clinical laboratory tests offered at MRH. As a Medical
Laboratory Technologist/Scientist, you shall work as part of a team contributing to the goals and
objectives of HJFMRI/WRP-T and the Mbeya Referral Hospital (MRH). This position reports to the
HJFMRI/WRP-T Laboratory Program Manager.
Duties and Responsibilities
Work at the Mbeya Referral Hospital Laboratory and other supported facilities as a
Laboratory Technologist carrying out laboratory diagnostic and clinical monitoring tests
including diagnostic Nucleic Acid PCR assays, Genotyping and Proteomics, Bacterial and
Mycobacterial cultures, Clinical Chemistry analyses, Hematological tests and other duties
as assigned by the laboratory manager.
Provide mentorship and onsite training to staff in peripheral supported sites on
performance of clinical laboratory tests, equipment use and maintenance, and
implementation of laboratory quality management procedures.
Follow written Standard Operating Procedures for every aspect of pre-analytic, analytic
and post-analytic phases of the testing process in a laboratory.
Ensure compliance to quality assurance standards based on recommendations from the
Section Supervisor and Laboratory Program Manager.
Assist in the implementation of a quality management system for the MRH Laboratory
and other supported facilities.
Assist in the preparation and delivery of proficiency testing for EQA.
Assist the section head institute in the departmental audit.
Document all occurrences in the occurrence log and carry out corrective and preventive
actions.
Participate in the organization’s staff appraisal scheme
Contribute actively to departmental training programs as appropriate, and to the training
of medical technologists within the locality national and international.
Contribute to the goals and objectives of the HJFMRI/WRP-T (program review meeting,
supportive supervision, data compilation) and MRH activities.
Knowledge and Qualification
Applicant must have the following minimum qualifications:
A Diploma/Advanced Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology/Sciences. A
degree in Medical Laboratory Technology/Sciences will be an added advantage.
Certified Health Laboratory practitioner is an added advantage.
Certificate/proof of registration with The Health Laboratory Practitioner’s Council
of Tanzania
Knowledge and skills of working with Nucleic Acid Amplification and detection
techniques (Important)
Knowledge of DNA sequencing methods
Knowledge and skills in general microbiology laboratory procedures
Knowledge and skills in general clinical chemistry, haematology, flow cytometry
and serology laboratory procedures
Knowledge and practical experience of use of Good Clinical Laboratory Practice
(GCLP) and Laboratory Quality Standards implementation
Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and Kiswahili
Computer Skills including MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point and MS Access
packages.
Be registered or eligible for registration with the Health Laboratory Technologists
Council of Tanzania.
Key competencies
- Ability to work independently, committed to implementing quality standards required of an ISO: 15189 accredited Laboratory in accordance with directives issued by the Section Supervisor.
- Candidates must be registered or eligible for registration with the Tanzanian Medical Laboratory Council Walter Reed Program is an equal opportunity employer; women are highly encouraged to apply
The Human Resources Manager,
P.O. Box 6396,
Mbeya
or
transmitted by email to; recruitment@wrp-t.org
NOTE: to be considered, applicants must put the TITLE OF THE JOB in the SUBJECT LINE, avoid
delivering the application in person or soliciting any member of the organization.Deadline for
submission of the application is September 25th, 2017. Those who do not meet the minimum
requirements as detailed below should not submit applications.